Folding umbrella



Feb. 9, 1932.

J. 1.. STONE FOLDING UMBRELLA 1951 2 Sheets-Sheet Filed March 18 J. L. STONE FOLDING UMBRELLA Feb. 9, 1932.

Filed March 18, 1931 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 52021167 MKM Patented Feb. 9, 1932 sensei i JULIUS LASTOWSKI STONE, or 'PHILADELPHIA r'ENNsYLvANIA FOLDING 'UMBRELLA "Appia-anonima March is, 1931.y semina. 523,398.

This 'invention' relates to umbrellas, -parasols and the like, while it has more particular reference `to vthat type of such articles which is adapted for folding intoa minimum 5 over-all-'length so' as to enable compact carriage when not 'in use.

The primary object of my invention -i's to provide-an umbrellaoi lthe kind'referred to'which can be triple-folded `into an exceed- 10 ingly compact lform for storage -in a vwaterp'roofcase designed for convenient carriage inithe rco'a't pocket or Vfor ,suspension on the person. v

Another object `is'toy provide an umbrella of the type specified ywhich automatically'collapses and folds inwardly towards' the point or tip gior one which, when collapsed, bunches up somewhat into cylindrical format-ionfbetween the handle or knob end and the -tip to compact Vform for-easy insertion into awvate'rroof-tube-or closuife-case.

A` further object of this invention is to provide a 'old'able umbrella characterized in that the cuter or lowerrib-sections ordinarily coeizte'nsive with .and serving as extensions of the upper main ribs, when the umbrella is expanded, Ahave capacityfto automatically lex or `fold over towards said main ribsand thereby effectivelycombat the prevailing-objectionsarising 'when sudden lgusts of wind tend to turn Vor wrench the umbrella insideout. Y

A still further object isthe provision of a `olda'ble:umbrellathat is simplein construcnot easily deranged, and whichautomatically triple-folds and simultaneously telescopes into approximately one-third of its extended dimension when collapsed.

Other and further objects not at this time l twin-comparatively cheap to manufacturd'is bythe same reference characters throughout the several views.

F ig. l is a broken sectional elevation of a Vpractical embodiment of myfoldable umbrella in the extended or `open position.

Figl 2 is asimilar sectional view'of the umbrella in the folded-telescopic position.

Fig. 3 is a broken elevation of the vumbrella staii or stick. f

Fig. 4 is a sectional detail, on a vlarger scale, taken as indicated bythe arrows 4-4 onFig.l.

Fig. 5 is a. similar view taken on the plane designated 5-5 on Fig. l.

Fig. 6 is a corresponding sectional view takenV on the plane 6-6 of Fig. l. Fig. 7 isasimilar view taken as indicated by the arrow-s 7 7 on Fig. l. Fig. 8 is ia sectional view, on an exaggeratedscale, ofthe upper and `lower rib p0rtions, the stayor brace,iand the associated actuating means, in expanded relation.

9 isf-a section on the plane designated 9-9 `in Fig. 8.

Figi() is a section on the plane designated lio-ic in Fig. s.

Fig. l1 is a section on the plane designated ll-ll in Fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is'a perspective view of an actuating` element hereinafter fully explained..

' Fig. lis a view similar to Fig. 8 but showing 'how vthe lower or outer rib portionfmay automatically fold over under the influence oii'a sudden gust oi wind.

Fig. 14 isa view showing the parts illustrated by 8in collapsed relation; and,

,Fig l5 is a View of the umbrella in collapsed lstate with the associated container designed by A'me for purposes storing said umbrella when 'not in use, 0r` xaitter use, and in Vwet condition. f

Refer-ringhiere in detail to the drawings it will `be observed that the umbrella sta-'ff or stick comprises threerelatively telescopic sectionsl,`2 and 3; the sections l and 2 being tubular, and the section 3, al rod. The staff or stick section l is provided, as best under'- `stood from Figs. l, 2 and 7, proximate the lower end with radial indentatio-ns 4 serviceable iirstly as sockets for the clamping attachy luv,

ment, as by means of a screw 5, ol a flattened knob or handle 6; and secondly as an abutment for the lower end of the rod section 3 when the umbrella is closed, as shown in Fig. 2. The section 1 is also provided with opposed longitudinal slots 7, extending the major portion oi' its length, that serve as guides for diametrically disposed pin 8 carried by a slidable runner or sleeve 9, and piercing the lower end et' the rod section 3. n

The tubular staff or stick section 2 is longitudinally split at diametrically opposing points of its lower end to provide slots 10 for coaction with the pin 8 ai'oresaid, while the released tongues of metal are retroverted or rolled over to form lugs 11 lor engagement in the longitudinal slots 7, of the stick section 1. Also, at the upper end, the tube section 2 is longitudinally split to provide a series of circumferential tongues which are retroverted or turned over to provide bearing ears 12 for a conventional wire ring 13 afording pivotal connection for the inner ends of the umbrella brace or stay members 14, which it is to be noted are arcuately shaped at 15, for a purpose later on explained. i

The rod section of the stall' or stick section is fitted at its outer or upper end with a rigidly-secured conventional annulus 16 and pivot ring 17 for the adjoining ends ot' upper riy portions 18, while 19 designates the usual covering, and 2O a small knob conveniently screwthreaded onto the reduced tip end 21 of said section 3; or such knob may be otherwise rigidly secured in place. Attention is also dr-ected to the fact, this juncture, that the upper rib portions 18 are also curved at 22, similar to the brace or stay ends 15, and likewise for a purpose hereinafter explained.

Referring again to the runner or sleeve 9, the same is fitted about its upper part with a conventional ring 23 for pivotal connection of strut or stretcher members 24 having slotted connection 25 with pins 2G in the brace or stay men bers 14; said slotted connection accommodating inward folding or collapse of the stays 14 and rib sections 18 in a manner obvious from Fig. 2, while the curved portions 15, 2,2 respectively thereof materially aid such compact folding aswell as serving .an additional purpose hereinafter eX- plained.

Referring again to the brace or stay member 14 it will be seen, on reference to Figs. 8,

, 13 and 14, the same is provided, at the outer end, with a rela-tively-slidable member 27 oi" ll-shape cross section, terminating in an ear 28, for pivotal connection to the outer end of the rib section 18 by means of a pin 29. Each saddle portion 27, or the interconnected end of the brace or stay member 14, is provided with transverse rack teeth, conveniently although not essentially, inV the form of pins 30, into which mesh the teeth oi a pinion 31, likewise journaled in said ,nfl-

addle-like portions 4l). is a triangular dle portion by means of a shouldered pin 32. lThis pinion has connected thereto a link 33, the purpose whereof will be later on explained.

P ivotally connected by a` pin 18 to the outer end oi' the rib section 18 is a stirrup clip 35 te whici the lower rib 36 is similarly attached by a pin 37; while said stirrup clip is reinforced by a stili'ener 38 conveniently riveted in place, as indicated at 3 9, whereby the paralleling portions-4G of such stirrup clip are maintained in rigid relation.

1rlulcrumed by an 41 between the clip actuator 42, to the one angular point of which the link is pivoted at 43; while a `curvilinear link 44 is pivotcd at 45 to the other angular point. This curvilinear link 44 is fulcrumed at 46 to the lower rib 36.

vFor convenience in carrying my improved umbrella in compactly folded form I have provided a water proof case 47, Fig. 15, prelerably or" moisture impervious fiber or bakelite, the same being itted with a removable cap 48, and opposed bail-like loops 49, through which a cord or strap of suitable length is passed, and whereby the device may be slung from the shoulder when not in use, in an obvious manner; or, such strap or cord may be removed and the case 47 carried in the pocket, or suspended by one of the loops 49 in the tonneau of an automobile, or similar vehicle.

Having described the structural components of my improved folding umbrella the operation thereof may be briefly set forth as follows Assuming the several parts are in the folded up or relatively collapsed position best appreciated from Fig. 2, the user grips the runner or sleeve 9, or the tip knob 20, between the .lingers of one hand and the handle 6 in the other, and gives the latter a slight turn counter-clockwise to disengage opposed outwardly-divergent locking notches 51, best seen in Fig.- 3, at the lower ends of the stick section 1 longitudinal slots 7, from locking engagement with the pin 8. The stick section 1 is next drawn outwards until the upper closed ends of the slots 7 engage the lugs 11 at the lower part of the intermediatestall or stick tubular section 2, whereupon expansion of the upper ribs 18 is initiated and, as such expansion advances the slidable saddle members arey extended relative to the braces or stays 14 with concurrent rotation of the pinions 31, while the struts or stretcher members 24 are expanded angularly outwards until. the lower ends of their slots 25 abut the stay pins 26 and arrest further opening oll the umbrella. Simultaneously with the rotation ol' the pinions 31 just described the rib sections 36 will be moved from the position shown in Figs. 2 and 14, to that illustrated in Figs. 1 and 8, with concurrent swinging of lll-5 the actuators 4Q on-their axes 'or 'pintles 41. Incidentjto 'swingingV of the actuators 42,- the curvilinear linksl 44 areinwardly retract ed'andthereby effecting youtfoldingfo'f the lower rib 4portions vi6-from the 'position of Figs.'2 and 14, into-alignment ivitli'the u-p-V per lportions 18, asrcadily understandable from Figs. l and 8.' The user, thereupon gives the `handle'f a slight clockwise turn whichfmovesthe=-pin 8 into locking'emgage-V ment'with notches 52 at the upper end ofthe stick section l, said notches being rever'sely inclinedto the notches 5l hereinabove .refer-red to, rwhereby the umbrella is securely held in the full open state with -the covering 19 properly stretched.` l l Obviously in closingthe umbrella the sequence vrof movements is reversed, and when closed after use it will be readily seen thatV it can be compactlyclosed in the case 47. without .accumulated inoisture'being exposed tocause annoyance and damage incidentto transportation -or placement of said case in the pocket or on the-'cushions of an automobile. y

Although I have shownand described but one yform `of my invention for Ypurposes'of practical illustration, it is to be understood thatit is susceptibleof various changes and modifications in the minor details of Aconstruction, withoutdeparting from the scope of the following claims. f

Having thus described my invention what I claim is l. A 'folding umbrella comprising a stick of relatively telescopicl section s,fa series `of' ribs radiating from and voperatively connected to the innermost stick section, each rib l comprisingan upper anda lower pivotally con-nected.portions,`a corresponding series of stays operatively connected-'to an intermediate stick section, each stay ha-vinga relatively slidable Ielement pivotallyj oined tothe upper rib portion, means coordinating the rib poi'- tions for`movement from or into folded relation to yand vfrom mutual alignment respecv tively, mechanism actuable incident-tomove ment between the stay-and its slidable element to voperate the rib coordinating means, anda runner'on the outermost-stick section with Vstretchers having a lost motion-connection with tliestays to effect opening and closing of theumbrella. l f

Q'. -A folding umbrella comprising a stick i' of 'relatively telescopic sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected tothe innermost stick section, each rib comprising an upper and a lower member pivotally joined by a stirrup clip, Va like series of stays operatively connected to an intermediate stick section by a pivot ring held in place by bearing-ears retroverted outof said section, a relatively slidable `element at the outer end of each stay operatively connected to the associated iupper 4rib member, means coordinating the rib members for A'moveii'ient from Iori-into lfolded relation -to and from mutual alignment respectively,v mechanism actuable incident to movement between the stay and slidable -elementto operate ,the rib' coordinatingmeans, `and a runner on the outermo'st stick section with stretchers having apin and slot lost motion connection With comprising an upper and a lower member pivotally joined bya stirrup clip', a like series of. stays operatively 'connected yto an intermediatestick section byv a pivot ring held in place by bearing ears retrove'rted out of said section, a relatively slidable element at the outer end lof each stay operatively connected to the upperribz'member, means coordinating the rib members for movement from or into folded relation toV and from mutual alignment respectively, mechanism actuable incident'to ymovement'between the stay andslidable element to'op'- erate the rib coordinating means, a runner on the outermost stick section with stretchers having a pin and'slot lost motion connection with the-stays to eifectopen'ing and closing of the umbrella, and means for 'lockingsaid umbrella V:in either the open or closed state by a slightV turn of the outermost stick section.

4. A folding umbrella 'comprising'astick consisting of an outer and an intermediate'tiibular section withvaninner-rodrelatively telescopic within said sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected to the tip of the rod section, each ribfin'c'luding an` upper and a loiver Vcomponent oine'd by a stirrup clip,a .like series stays operatively connected to retroversions integral with the intermediate tubular sectionupper end, a rel.- ativelyslidablesaddle member at the outer end of each stay having :pivot connection-to an associated upper rib component,means coordinating "the" Vrib components "for move-l ment from or into folded relationto and from mutual alignment respectively, mech anism actuable incident to movement -between the stay and slidable'saddle member to operate the rib co-'o'rdinating'means, a runner slidable along'the outer tubular section having a like series of struts withypin and slot connection to the stays to effect opening and closing ofthe umbrella, and means tolock the umbrella in the open or vclosed state by a slight turnof said outer tube section.V

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' 5.` A folding umbrella comprisingja stick consisting of'an outer and an intermediatetubular section with an inner rod'relative'ly telescopic :within said sectionsya seriesofribsradiating from and operatively connected to the tip of the rod section, each rib including an upper and a lower component joined by a stirrup clip, a like lseries of stays operatively connected to retroversions integral with the intermediate tubular section upper end, a relatively slidable saddle m-ember at the outer end of each stay having` pivot connection to an associated upper rib component, a pinion j ournaled in the saddle member rotatable by rack means in the coactive sta-y end, means co-ordinatin g said pinion'with. the lower rib component'to effectV its movement from or into folded relation to and from mutual alignment with the upper rib component, a runner slidable along the outer tubular section having a like series of'struts with pin and slot connection to the stays to eect opening and closing of the umbrella, and means to lock the um` brella in the open or closed state by a slight turn of said outer tube section.

6. A folding umbrella comprising a stick consisting of an outer and an intermediate tubular section with an inner rod relatively telescopic'within said sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected to the tip of the rod section, each rib including an upper and a lower component joined by a stirrup clip, a like series of stays op-eratively connected to retroversions integral with the intermediate tubular section upper end, a relatively slidable saddle member at the outer end of each stay having pivot connection to an associated upper rib component, a pinion journaled in the saddle member rotatable by rack means in the coactive stay end, a triangular rocker pivoted in the stirrup clip with link connections to the lower rib component and the pinion aforesaid to effect folding and unfolding of said lcomponent with respect to the upper rib component, a runner slidable along the outer tubular section having a like series of struts with pin and slot connection to the stays to effect opening and closing of the umbrella, and means to lock the umbrella in theopen or closed state by a slight turn of said outer tube section.

7 A' folding' umbrella comprising a stick consisting of an outer and intermediate tubular section'with an inner rod relatively telescopic within said sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected to the tip of the rod section, each rib'including an upper and a lower component joined by a stirrup clip, a like series of stays operatively connected to retroversions integral with the inf termediate tubular section upper end, a relatively slidablesaddle member at the outer end ef each stay having pivot connection to an associated upper rib component, a pinion j ournaled in the saddle member rotatable by rack means in the coactive stay end, a triangular rocker pivotedY in the stirrup clip with link connections to the lower rib component and the pinion aforesaid to effect folding and unfolding of said component with respect to the upper rib component, opposed slots longitudinally of the outer tube section with which retroversions at the lower end of the intermediate tube engage,- a runner slidable along the outer tubular section having a like series of struts with pin and slot connection to the stays to effect opening and closing of the umbrella, and means to lock the umbrella in the open or closed state by a slight turn of said outer tube section.

8. A folding umbrella comprising a stick consisting of an outer and an intermediate tubular section with an inner rod relatively telescopic within said sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected to the ip of the rod section, each rib including an upper and a lower component joined by a stirrupclip, a like series of stays operatively connected to retroversions integral with the inermediate tubular section upper end, a relatively slidable saddle member at the outer end of each stay having pivot connection to an associated upper rib component, a pinion journaled in the saddle member rotatable by rack means in the coactive stay end, a triangular rocker pivoted in the stirrup clip with link connections to the lower rib component and the pinion aforesaid to effect folding and unfolding of said component with respect to the upper rib component, opposed slots longitudinally of the outer tube section with which retroversions at the lower end of the intermediate tube engage, a runner having rigid diametric pin connection to the lower end of the inner rod and slidable along the outer tubular section, a like series of struts operatively pivoted to said runner and having pin and slot connection with the the stays to effect opening and closing of the umbrella, and means to lock the umbrella in the open or closed state by a 'slight turn of the outer tube section.V

9. A folding umbrella comprising a stick consisting oft-an outer and an intermediate tubular section with an inner rod relatively telescopic within said sections, a series of ribs radiating from and operatively connected to the tip of the rod section, each rib including an upper and a lower component oined by a stirrup clip, a like series of stays operatively connected to retroversions integral with the intermediate tubular section upper end, a relatively slidable saddle member at the outer end of each stay having pivot connection to an associated upper rib component, a pinion journaled in the saddle member rotatable by rack means in the coactive stay end, a triangular rocker pivoted in the stirrup clip with link connections tothe lower rib component and the pinion aforesaid to effect folding and unfolding of said component with respect to the upper rib component, opposed slots longitudinally of the outer tube section with which retroversions at the lower end of the intermediate tube engage, a runner having rigid diametrio pin connection to the lower end of the inner rod and slidable along the outer tubular section, a like series of struts operatively pivoted to said runner and having pin and slot connection with the stays to effect opening andv closing of the umbrella, and divergent out outs at ends of the outer tubes longitudinal slotswith which the runners diametrie pins eo-act to eiieet looking of the urnbrella in the open or closed state by a slight turn of said tube in reverse directions respectively. In testimony whereof I aiix my signature the 10th day of March, 1981, at Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania.

JULIUS L. STONE. 

